ACA Applauds White House Efforts To Facilitate Broadband Deployment

ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement after President Obama signed a new executive order requiring federal agencies to develop new uniform policies and practices for accessing the federal government's assets for the purpose of broadband deployment:

"In the last decade, ACA members have been aggressively deploying broadband in smaller markets and rural areas, and these operators are continuously looking to make further investments in unserved and underserved areas. However, these opportunities for broadband deployment are far too often delayed or derailed because of the inability of ACA members to receive necessary or timely rights of way on reasonable terms, including over federal land," Polka said.

"The Executive Order signed by the President directs the federal agencies to facilitate access to federal land and facilities, which should stimulate broadband deployment by ACA members and help to strengthen the economy through increased private investment and job creation.

"ACA is also especially pleased with the Executive Order's 'dig once' provision, which was based on a National Broadband Plan recommendation and a bill introduced by Congressman Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.). ACA has long been a supporter of Rep. Eshoo's broadband deployment bill because it reduces the cost of laying fiber-optic lines for ACA members, and makes more efficient use of scarce road-construction dollars provided by taxpayers. As I've said before, it's a true win-win for industry and the American public. We're glad to see this concept incorporated in the Executive Order."